Research AJA Records

Exploring the American Jewish Past

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Beginning your Research at the American Jewish Archives

This page offers links to research resources, the AJA's online catalog which gives access to a variety of materials found at the American Jewish Archives, as well as policies and fees.

Researchers who need to conduct extensive research at the AJA may be interested in the AJA's Fellowship Program. Those who are new to archival research may be interested in Using Archives: A Guide to Effective Research by Laura Schmidt and the Society of American Archivists.

If you have any questions, please feel free to Ask an Archivist!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may use the collections of the AJA?

How do I access materials online?

While a small selection of our holdings have been digitized, the majority of the collection is not available online. However, our catalog—the gateway to our vast archival collection—can be accessed online. Digital materials may be found in our online catalog in the "available digital materials tab" of each catalog entry. If you require digital materials that are not available, please contact an archivist.

How do I search for material related to my topic?

The online catalog describes the material in our collection. For help on navigating the catalog, please review the guide here. If you cannot find relevant material, please feel free to contact us through our Ask An Archivist form or call us during operating hours to speak to one of our archivists. If you are unable to visit the archives, archivists can perform a limited search for specific topics. We can also recommend local researchers if an extensive search is required. Please contact us through our Ask An Archivist form.